Esophageal compression by the aorta after arterial switch.
Extrinsic compression of the esophagus in children most often occurs in the presence of a congenital vascular ring. We recently operated on a patient in whom esophageal compression had developed that was severe enough to require feeding via a gastrostomy tube several years after the arterial switch operation. Aortopexy and extensive mediastinal mobilization were performed twice with transient relief and gradual return of symptoms. Almost 3 years after the first aortopexy, lasting relief was achieved by transposing the esophagus into the right side of the chest.
McElhinney
D B
DB
Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
Reddy
V M
VM
Reddy
G P
GP
Higgins
C B
CB
Hanley
F L
FL
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011666:Pulmonary Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D014188:Transposition of Great Vessels / Q000601:surgery